Hi to all, The bass was in a very strong David Gage bass trunk. There was absolutely NO damage to the trunk itself, on the outside or inside. The only explanation is that when TSA inspected the bass ( this time i wasn’t allowed to be present) they dropped the bass when they removed it from the case and it was seriously damage with multiple cracks , some cracks stretching over 2 feet long. I am all for TSA keeping all of us travelers safe, BUT , the musicians must be allowed to supervise the instruments’ being securely handled and restored to it’s protective case. Often , the agents have been kind enough to consult me and allowed me to be there with them , so as to insure the safety of the instrument as well. This is unfortunately , something that has happened to many bassists since 2001. i am one of many. Surely, this can be avoided, don’t you think????

That stinks! I am a violinist, and my husband, Gary Rickman is a luthier, specializing in bass repair. He just finished restoring a bass for Bob Hurst, who’s bass was severely damaged by an airline accident last summer, at Ron Carter’s recommendation. Bob loves it and is very happy! We live in the Chicago area. (708) 799-7095. garylrickman@hotmail.com.

Mr. Patitucci, So sorry about your bass! That is just unbelievable that anyone would do something like that, accident or no, and not make you aware of what happened, never mind the TSA! I hope someone is made accountable for their “actions” and is made aware of the value and age of such a georgeous instrument! I also hope that it is repairable without losing its natural tone. Oh well, regardless, be well and thank you for sharing your incredible talents with all of us… Even with the unworthy TSA agent(s) who are responsible for the damage done! God Bless you brother.

John, I am deeply sorry to hear about the damage to your bass. Absolutely musicians should be allowed to accompany their instruments for any inspection.The TSA is Not trained in handling instruments. Did you contact the 802 Union? They seem to helpful with kind of situation. There is a cello repair artist in Somers area that we take Sasha’s cello for repairs. If you need someone local in Westchester. If there is anything we can do, please let us know.~Kazuko

John, My condolences! (I’ve been a fan of your work for many years and you certainly don’t deserve this shameful treatment.) Exactly this same thing happened to my baroque lute on Delta Airlines: instrument severely mangled, but no damage to the case. I strongly suspect some baggage handler got curious about the odd “guitar” and played Pete Townshend with it. The lute was very nearly destroyed. It took the intervention of a Congresswoman to get Delta to eventually play nice, but they have agreed to at least pay for repairs. It is currently with the original maker undergoing the lengthy process of being brought back to life. In the meantime, I am out an instrument. There are not so many 13-course lutes sitting around to borrow or rent! And, while the maker is extremely skilled, who knows what personality with instrument will have when I get it back?

I once asked the airline ticket lady to send my banjo to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, my luggage to San Antonio, Texas, and my guitar to Fresno, California. She said, “I can’t do that.” I replied, “I don’t see why not. You did it last week!” All jokes aside I saw instruments lost, broken, or damaged, in one way or another even before the TSA thing, so I know the “care” the airlines take when handling musical instruments. I once saw them throw my banjo from the baggage part of the plane to the cart that brings the luggage to the terminal. Luckily, it was a strong traveling case and no damage was done. And if you made a claim it was like you were asking for world peace.The airlines could care less. So sorry for this happened. It seems like it’s getting worse. Good luck.

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